Purpose
The objective of the Princeton Public Library is to provide a full range of library services to individuals of all ages. Library service will not be denied or abridged because of race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, belief, social, or political views. The objective of this policy is to ensure that Princeton Public Library provides each community member with a welcoming, pleasant, and safe environment free from harassment, physical discomfort, danger, and psychological/emotional stress. The library intends to continue to provide services with a minimum of regulations and restrictions.
 
Overview and Definitions
 
Any behavior or activity on library grounds that is disruptive, hinders a person’s ability to use the library, or poses a threat to the safety and well-being of patrons or staff is strictly prohibited. 
It is at the library staff’s discretion to identify/determine if a patron is engaged in any prohibited or disruptive conduct. Prohibited conduct includes any illegal activity defined by County, State, or Federal law. In pursuit of this policy, the Princeton Area Library Supporters board shall support the library staff in their efforts to maintain a welcoming, safe environment for all patrons. The following examples of disruptive or unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:
 
Minor disruptions 
 
Soliciting, petitioning, posting notices, fundraising, selling, canvassing, or distributing any written material unless authorized by the library board. 
Using the library as a place to conduct business or sales except for educational purposes.
Loud talking, screaming, or using audio equipment or cell phones/speakerphones that disturb or could disturb other patrons is not allowed. 
Use of library telephones not authorized by library personnel. 
Congregating or loitering around the entrance/exits, or any other library property in a manner that blocks easy access to the library’s facilities for patrons or staff. 
No take out or disposable cups, beverages only in spill proof containers or screw top lids are approved. No food of any type is allowed in the library.
Disruptive sleeping in the library or on the grounds and/or occupying excessive space beyond that of a reasonable footprint. 
Failure to wear proper attire at all times in the library. Shirts and shoes are required. Babies that are being carried are exempt from the shoe requirement. 
Performing personal hygiene, including shaving, bathing, or washing clothes in restrooms. 
Bringing animals into the library building or on library property, other than service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act 35.136.
The use of sports or recreational equipment on the property, including skateboarding or skating, is not allowed.
Running, climbing, or jumping in the building. 
Misuse of library furnishings, materials, or equipment. 
Leaving personal items unattended on library grounds.. The library is not responsible for the loss or theft of unattended items. All items found unattended will be placed into the library’s Lost and Found, and if not claimed after 3 months, will either be discarded or donated to outside organizations. Lost or unclaimed items can be disposed of at any time at the discretion of the library staff.
Failure to exit the building at closing and/or not following directions from staff during an emergency. 
Entering into non-public areas, unless by invitation or approval of library personnel. 
 
Moderate disruptions 
 
Willfully annoying or harassing staff or patrons. 
Using obscene, abusive language or engaging in inappropriate actions toward staff or patrons. 
Staring at, following around, or intimidating patrons or library staff in a way that is disruptive or can reasonably be expected to disturb.    
Failure to follow the library’s Computer and Internet Access Policy, such as displaying inappropriate materials. 
Leaving vulnerable individuals (i.e., individuals with a mental or physical impairment who are unable to protect themselves from abuse or exploitation or comprehend and comply with library policies) alone or unattended in the library.
Parents/Legal Guardians leaving children under the age of 10 in the library unattended. 
Failure of parents/legal guardians to pick up their child(ren) before closing time. If the parent or guardian does not arrive within 15 minutes of closing, staff will notify the police. 
Removal of material from the library collection without authorization through established lending procedure. 
Engaging in any other behaviors deemed inappropriate by applicable laws. 
 
Severe disruptions 
 
Threatening or committing acts of physical violence against staff or patrons.
Carrying unauthorized weapons of any sort. 
Consuming alcohol, illegal substances, or being intoxicated within the library. 
Sexual activities. 
Unwelcome interaction with minors. 
Engaging in boisterous or disruptive behavior such as fighting or threatening to fight, pushing, shoving, or throwing things. 
Theft or defacement of library property. 
 
Procedure 
 
Library staff will deal with disruptive behavior according to the guidelines of this policy and may contact law enforcement whenever deemed appropriate. 
For Minor disruptions: The library patron will receive up to two verbal warnings. If the disruptive behavior continues, the patron may be asked to leave the library for the day, and an Incident Report will be submitted to record the event.
For Moderate disruptions: Based on the judgment of a staff member, the patron may be given a warning, may be ordered to leave the library immediately for a stated amount of suspension, or the police may be called. An Incident Report will be submitted to record the event.
For Severe disruptions or repeated violation of the rules, a patron may be banned from the library and/or permanently denied services. Any person who fails to comply with a request from library staff shall be considered to be trespassing, and the staff person in charge will contact the police. The library director, or designee, is authorized to ban violators from the premises for a specified amount of time or permanently, depending on the severity of the violation. An Incident Report will be submitted to record the event.
 
Incidents of unacceptable behavior may result in one or more of the following actions or disciplinary procedures: 
 
Oral warning 
Written warning 
Immediate dismissal or banning from the library 
 
An individual excluded from the library property may appeal in writing to the PALS Board.
 
In the event a person is banned from the library per this policy, the PALS Board will: 
 
Notify the person in writing
Notate the ban on the person’s account, if applicable
Notify staff members of the result
Notify other Johnston County Affiliated Libraries.